The LA Clippers’ horrifying free-throw line struggles force a loss to Denver

John Wall, LA Clippers - Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
John Wall, LA Clippers - Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

As the LA Clippers were without their superstar duo once again, head coach Tyronn Lue and his squad took another loss, moving to 11-9. Though being short-handed makes winning difficult, the Clippers must find a way to push through their struggles and battle till the end.

However, the current team appears to be very similar to last season’s squad, who battled injuries all year long before missing the playoffs. Without their franchise stars, key role players like Reggie Jackson, Marcus Morris, and Norman Powell are being forced into a role they are uncomfortable with. As a result, the team’s fatigue is coming to light.

Moreover, multiple players played exceptionally well in the Clippers’ loss to the Denver Nuggets. Play-making point guard John Wall had his best game of the season, finishing with 23 points on 8-10 shooting. Additionally, Morris had a phenomenal outing, along with the unique talents of Terance Mann and Robert Covington.

Although several players played up to par for the Clippers, numerous factors kept the team out of the game. These issues have followed Lue and his squad all season long and must be addressed before it’s too late. There should be no excuses for the LA Clippers to lose an easily winnable game.

The LA Clippers’ struggles are making their way back to the spotlight.

After taking a loss to the Nuggets, the LA Clippers are now on a two-game losing streak. This is not fitting for a team with a ridiculous amount of talent, despite their injuries. Through this loss, the free-throw line is where the Clippers handed the game away.

Furthermore, the team shot a devastating 55.9% from the strike. This is something that must be prevented if the Clippers are looking to win it all. In addition, numerous offensive rebounds were given up, and countless turnovers that could have been controlled occurred.

While the LA Clippers may have struggled quite a bit, the shooting splits were some of the best fans have seen all season long. Over the course of the game, the team shot 54.4% from the field and 50.0% from a distance. This is an excellent sign that the offense is beginning to come together. If the free-throw line efficiencies were much better, there is no doubt that the Clippers could have closed out with a win.

Nonetheless, the LA Clippers’ next contest is to the star-powered Indiana Pacers. Since the start of the year, the Pacers have been a competitor in the stacked Eastern Conference. Lue will have to enforce a sense of urgency on the defensive end, or the Clippers may take another loss, pushing them to a lower seed in the league standings.